I love this die, it is the perfect size to hold my midori style inserts that I love creating, and this one will hold the inserts in which I practice my brushpen calligraphy.

Here you can see how the cover came together,sand texture through various stencils and then loads of layers of paint, a mix of Paper Artsy Frescos and Distress Paints. I wanted to create a sort of worn leather look with a touch of rust and patina

Some writing related embellishments made with some Sizzix Mover and Shaper dies, and of course a pen nib for good measure.

And here the finished cover with a couple of home made inserts inside. I created a holder for my brush pen, that also forms the closure for the journal. It is based on an idea I saw online on the new Prima travel journals.

My pen holder is made out of 3 layers of Tim Holtz Grunge Board that I glued together and threaded the elastic through. No doubt leather would have been better, but I don't have any and this works perfectly as a closure and I think will stand up to quite a bit of wear and tear.

A couple of close ups of my embellishments and the spine. I strung some beads through one of the elastics and also added a charm.

Below I will also show you some of the pages of my inserts. I have done them junk journal style again, and included many lined pages printed on super smooth paper for my writing practice.

I added lots of tuck spots and pretty tags here and there. I do most of my practice on loose drill sheets, but for a change it will be much more fun the write some quotes and sayings on decorated pages. This way I can also look back on how I improve...

This tuck spot/side pocket holds not only some tags, but also a separate booklet for further practice.

I love these junk journal style inserts, they are not only fun to do, but also are the perfect way to use up all those scraps we all hoard away, and I just love the size of these, - large enough to actually use, yet small enough to carry around.

Finally, I don't very often play in challenges anymore, but decided to link this to Art Journal Journey where the theme this month is Elegance and Grunge.

Before signing off, I just want to say a huge big thank you to my friend Anne for sending me the die cuts for this cover, while I wait for my own die to arrive. Thank you so much Anne, you are the best!!!

Well that's it for today, - thank you for your visit and have a great week.

One of a kind extraordinary beautiful and it melts my journal-heart!You definiteley have to link it to ELEGANCE and GRUNGE over at ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY-CHALLENGE that would make my melted journal heart heal again!Happy rest of the week Astrid!oxo Susi

Wow oh wow oh wow! Let me pick my jaw up off the floor, ahem. YES!!! This is fantastic and wonderfully colored and textured. The leather pen holder steals my heart! I adore your gorgeous elements and grungy textures so much. Absolute showstopper! Thanks so much for all of the details. Hugs, Autumn

Astrid, your journal is just gorgeous, inside and out! The grungy exterior is so full of colour and texture and that pen holder is just fantastic. I feel inspired to create another journal now! Thanks for your very kind shout out - that's what friends are for! Hugs, Anne xx

A rich and beautifully texture cover. It looks as though it could have been a found item in a medieval castle. Gorgeous deep colours with the verdigris looking highlights. "Sigh" just made for copperplate or calligraphy writing. The aged inserts are the perfect pages to complement your lovely cover.

Astrid, you have certainly put your "stamp" on this little journal with those amazing textures of yours that I oh, so love. The rich patina is perfect and your pages inviting to write in. I'm sure this is going to be used quite often! I know I would want to be picking it up every day! Love this!

Wow, your journal is amazing! You have created so much beautiful details both inside and out, I love the worn leather look with a hint of patina you created on the cover and the inside pages will look even more magical when you add your calligraphy! I'd be so excited to write in a book like this 😊. Nice to meet you at AJJ and wishing you a great week! J 😀

I love this grungy beauty - this must feel so fantastic in the hands with all that intricate texture under the fingertips. The grungeboard penholder is brilliant - I thought it was leather at first glance - so clever. The pages inside are clearly ready to play... I'm off to see whether I've missed some of your brushpen calligraphy. If not, I hope you'll share some soon!Alison x

Can I just copy what everyone else has said! Astrid you are so dang talented and I love both of your journals. The Japanese one is so delicate looking and this is the complete opposite. I do love the way you design your pages - fantastic!!!!Sandy xx

Wow! what a stunning ( and beautifully grungy) project this is - I am going to look for those Sizzix dies next :)Thank you so much for joining in at AJJ I really appreciate it.Wishing you a wonderful weekend..Liebe Grüße Gill

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